After an intense two days, Ajax was able to finally collect himself enough to prepare Sending rather than rely on his dwindling supply of scrolls. The need for constant communication had lessened as the last of the ships had set out, and he would rather stretch his own magical muscles to make the consumable scrolls last longer.
Farsan’s immediate family had been visiting Makarett, up from their homes in Thulm, and had invited Ajax to take meals and down time with them, to which Ajax had gladly accepted. Chernoff’s warnings still at the forefront of his mind, Ajax wanted to spend as much time strengthening his bond with Farsan as he could. He was not sure what loss Farsan would endure, but the references to Dutin and foundations made Ajax wonder if another untimely death would befall the royal family.
Farsan’s parents seemed to genuinely care for each other and their children. Being just that step or two removed from power had apparently granted them a measure of peace that Ajax found unusual among those of higher stations that he had met.
Farsan Bartino Elshenar III and Befrey Cohona Verront had had three children, much to Ajax’s surprise. Farsan spoke of his sister Rozenal quite often, often in the same breaths as his cousin Dutin, but there was apparently a younger brother, Tenfieri, that he was not as close with. Ajax had gotten Farsan alone at one point and asked why his brother never came up, and Farsan had said “He was just so much younger than us, Dutin, Roz, and I. We’d be off galavanting around and he was always the baby that couldn’t keep up, and I guess we just grew apart. He moved into a manor in central Thulm when he came of age last year, and I’d barely spoken to him since.”
His time in the palace had also started to train his eyes to what differences did exist between the various members of the House Guard, which was completely staffed by Sithra. Their race being identical, small embellishments and rank insignias on their uniforms became the only way to tell them apart. At first, a colored handkerchief peeking out a pocket might have seemed incidental, but seeing that same handkerchief on subsequent days Ajax began to realize these small differences were eminently intentional.
After a few more days the first ships began reaching Duskwater Anchorage and Ajax’s messenger duty ramped up again. He was joined by some casters from the House Guard who could not only Send, but Scry.
The top of the conference table had been removed and what lay hidden in the cavity underneath was extremely fine sand. The Sithra had devised a method for two way communication, for a limited time, that could involve those unable to cast the necessary spells themselves. While one Sithra was Scrying, a second clasped a hand to the first and put their other hand in the sand, causing what was being seen and heard to animate the particles. Angoha’s honor guard could also perform this task, and they had a silver basin of water to serve the same purpose as the sand table. Thus, a few times a day, a small conference could happen between King Farsan and his daughter, and whoever else was in the vicinity.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
“Loading is going surprisingly smooth. Blue Company and IGB Seventeen have been doing an amazing job.” Angoha said. The sand only showed a muted version of colors. Ajax could see a bit behind her and her honor guard in the sand. They were somewhere overlooking the harbor. “The Imperials retained two of the fast frigates locally to scout potential Tenkan oceanic advances. The Phyldraste navy is already in a defensive perimeter around the barrier islands.”
“What news of Raxiredow and Phyldraste city?” King Farsan asked. “Does Blue Company have a bead on the Tenkan’s inbound to Duskwater Anchorage? We’ve been unable to contact Chancellor Melk for several days.”
“Raxiredow fell yesterday. They lasted longer than Teteau, but most likely just because they had time to prepare. They bought us an extra day, Blue Company estimates, so we’ve got nine days until they are expected.” Angoha responded. “The Tenkans are just reaching Phyldraste City today. Local authorities also have been unable to reach their superiors. Rumors are circulating that something big has been prepared to surprise the Tenkans.”
“A communication blackout would make sense if that were the case. Operational security.” Minister Zimeyre agreed. “Are you still receiving incoming civilians from the north?”
“The last convoys from the capital will be here in three days. I have no word on any from Regmerelle, though. I’m worried that between the approaching Tenkans and the badlands that they will risk the badlands.” Angoha visibly shuddered at the thought.
“I will relay to the authorities in Kruuth to send scouting parties west.” Ajax said. “They won’t venture far into Talan, but they might be able to save some if they did choose that path.”
Angoha looked relieved. “Thank you Emissary. Ships will continue to arrive for six more days.” During the crossing, arrival times had been purposefully spread out so as to not crowd the harbor and travel lanes. “We’ve been getting them docked, loaded, and casting off again within two hours.”
“Wonderful.” King Farsan smiled at the news. “Our casting is ending shortly. We’ll schedule another session for eight hours from now. If something comes up, have one of your honor guards Send to let us know you need immediate contact.” Angoha nodded, and then the sand slowly began to lose the color and definition it had been holding and settled back down into the table.